Earthquake Swarm – 600 Within 24 Hours – Felt in California

A California earthquake swarm – a series of more than 600 tremors during a 24-hour period – may have been caused by water pressure from hot springs in the Mammoth Lakes region, according to a seismologist.

The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that U.S. Geological Survey seismologist David Shelly said scientists don't believe the earthquake swarm is connected to any volcanic activity.

Shelly said the quakes may have been triggered as water pressure from area hot springs shifted through the ground surface, stressing tectonic plates, according to The Associated Press.

Shelly said at least 109 of the earthquakes reported since Thursday were magnitude 2.0 or greater and smaller quakes made up the bulk of the activity.

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